How can I find out the quality of the teaching I will get from a trainer?

One thing to bear in mind is that very few teachers delivering metal clay training have had any formal teacher training. This doesn't mean they're bad teachers though. The Silver Metal Clay Diploma includes a training module which teaches lesson planning and learning theory. It also requires the trainee teachers to plan and deliver a training session and only trainees who pass this are awarded the full Diploma.

You might want to ask the trainer what formal teacher training they've had before booking a course with them.

Another way to find out the quality of the training is to ask other students who have trained with the teacher. The PMC Guild has a section where students can rate their teacher and give feedback about the standard of training they had. This includes teachers from all over the world and is available to non-members.

Teachers who have websites may have testimonials on them. A good teacher will always ask their students for feedback on the training and this may be available for you to see. Or maybe the teacher would be willing to give you the name of a satisfied student so you can check for yourself.

Also look for a code of teaching practice. The Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery has a code of practice for all their own training plus, their Support Centres have voluntarily signed up to this code of practice so you get peace of mind when booking classes with them. Read more about the training code of practice here

What are the problems associated with quenching hot metal clay?
If you want to refire, enamel or solder on a piece of metal clay that has been quenched, you may find that moisture has got trapped in the metal. When you heat it again, especially if you heat it fast, the moisture turns to steam and may cause a blister on the surface. You need to dry the piece thoroughly if you have quenched the metal following the initial firing.It is also important to remember that you should not quench a piece which has glass or stones as part of the design. The sudden change in temperature from the firing to the cold water may cause shock and the stone or glass could be damaged or break entirely. Leave your piece to air cool, it should only take a few minutes....

Polishing
Tip on how to get a tumble polished finish without buying a tumbler....

What is the best way to store syringes so they don't dry out?
There are a variety of ways to store metal clay syringes to ensure they don't dry out.
You can store them standing in a small cup of water with the tip or nozzle down in the water. This prevents air from getting into the nozzle and drying the clay.
Using cling film or Saran Wrap over the end also stops air getting to the clay and drying it out.
A small piece of silver wire inserted into the nozzle can also prevent drying although it needs to be a good fit and it's best to also wrap this in cling film or put it back in the sealed packet it came in. Don't use a steel pin to seal it, steel reacts badly with the clay....

Where can I buy fine silver findings to use with my metal clay?
Using fine silver findings with your metal clay means you can enbed and fire them without risking fire stain or oxidisation that requires pickling after firing. Using sterling silver findings is possible but you will have to pickle them after firing. ...